With Wicked: For Good finally in theatres, fans all over the world are reminded once again of the unforgettable characters that make the world of Oz so enchanting. From the green-skinned Elphaba to the painted-in-pink Glinda, each character has a personality and journey that perfectly pair with other compelling literary figures. Take a look at these eight wickedly good book pairings that every fan of Wicked will love.
Elphaba – Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Elphaba is the fiercely independent green witch with plenty of moral complexity to go around, and if you find yourself drawn to her, then you’ll love Graceling. Much like Elphaba, Katsa is feared due to her power and judged for something she can’t control, but beneath her armor lies a woman who is determined to define her own destiny. Follow Katsa as she uncovers the truth behind her deadly power while trying not to fall for the charming Prince Po. Her journey is full of rebellion, self-discovery, and fighting for what’s right, just like Elphaba’s.
Glinda – My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
If you’re like me and are drawn to Glinda’s glamour, determination, and complicated relationships, then My Brilliant Friend is the perfect book for you. Set against the backdrop of postwar Naples, the story follows the lifelong bond between best friends, untamed Lila and thoughtful Elena, as they navigate the harsh realities of womanhood. Much like Glinda and Elphaba, Lila and Elena face a friendship that both lifts and challenges them as they learn to balance kindness, ambition, and the desire to define themselves beyond how others perceive them.
Prince Fiyero – The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
Prince Fiyero is the charming and confident romantic interest of Glinda, and those who have fallen in love with him are sure to fall in love with Anthony Bridgerton. (It also helps that Johnathan Bailey plays Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix adaptation.) This beloved second installment of the Bridgerton series follows Anthony Bridgerton as he tries to leave behind his lustful ways and find a wife. When he crosses paths with the sharp-tongued and stubborn Kate Sheffield, sparks fly, and much like Prince Fiyero, Anthony learns that love isn’t all about appearances, but about vulnerability, passion, and the courage it takes to let someone truly see you for everything you are.
Boq – Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Boq is the shy and kindhearted munchkin who yearns for Glinda, and I think that he would find his story reflected in Stargirl. Leo Borlock is desperate to fit in and finds himself being drawn to someone bold enough to stand out. But as Leo falls for the free-spirited and unapologetically unique Stargirl, he is faced with the fear and courage it takes to love someone different. Leo’s journey is one of longing and self-discovery, and much like Boq, he learns to step beyond his comfort zone and embrace what makes each person a star.
Nessarose – Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Nessarose spends the entirety of Wicked living in Elphaba’s shadow while longing to belong. Like Nessarose, Cinder lives in a world that treats her as less than while judging her for what makes her different. But beneath her pain and isolation lies an intense determination to shape her own destiny. As Cinder uncovers the truth about her past and fully steps into her power, we see her as a young woman torn between love, identity, and the fear of losing the world she’s built around herself, just like Nessarose.
Madame Morrible – A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Throughout Wicked, Madame Morrible takes advantage of Elphaba. In a similar style, A Discovery of Witches dives into the seductive pull of knowledge and the lengths that people will go to control it. The story follows Diana Bishop, a historian who accidentally summons a bewitched manuscript. Diana then finds herself thrust into a centuries-old struggle between witches, vampires, and daemons and is forced to find a way to break the spell. But where Madame Morrible succumbs to manipulation, Diana learns that true strength comes from understanding, not total domination. Personally, I think Madame Morrible could learn a thing or two from Diana.
The Wizard – Jade City by Fonda Lee
The Wizard is the power-hungry ruler of Oz who will do whatever it takes to maintain the illusion of control. Jade City echoes those same themes perfectly, as it’s set in a world where magic, politics, and greed weave together. The story follows the Kaul family as they are forced to navigate loyalty, legacy, and the cost of influence. Much like the Wizard’s manipulation behind the mask, the leaders of Kekon wield their power through spectacle and deception. Jade City reveals how ambition can blur the line between powerful and protector, just like Wicked.
Dr. Dillamond – The Giver by Lois Lowry
Dr. Dillamond is the wise and enigmatic goat professor in Shiz, and if his curiosity beyond what’s accepted intrigues you, then The Giver is a perfect match. The Giver takes place in a world where emotion and individuality have been stripped from society. After meeting the wise and compassionate Giver, young Jonas begins to question everything he’s ever known. Much like how Dr. Dillamond challenges the fixed thinking in Oz, Jonas explores knowledge, morality, and the cost of truth to find the key to freedom.
From witches to rebels, these eight book pairings perfectly capture the magic of unexpected connection and unforgettable stories. Whether you’re drawn to power, passion, or the pleasure of first love, each book offers a story that will stay with you long after the final page.
Eager for more Wicked? Check out our article, 4 Facts You Might Not Know about the Wicked Film!
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